Actor Christopher Allport dies in avalanche

Santa Monica resident Christopher Allport was one of three people who died in an avalanche in the San Gabriel Mountains during what several meteorologists called the worst winter storm to hit the Southland this year.

Allport, 60, was a veteran television actor.

His body was found Saturday, January 26th, near Wrightwood at the Mountain High Ski Resort near the San Gabriel Mountains.

A friend of Allport, Jordan Roberts, told the Los Angeles Times that the actor enjoyed being outdoors as often as possible.

“He would surf in the morning and ski in the afternoon,” said Roberts. “He was knowledgeable in every conceivable outdoor activity.”

His television credits include Without a Trace, Navy NCI, 7th Heaven, ER, Felicity, and Picket Fences, among others.

The storm brought heavy snowfall to the Mountain High area and parts of Angeles National Forest. Areas above 7,000 feet were hit with at least five feet of snow, while local mountain areas above 5,000 feet reported four to 12 inches.

Allport was an active skier who once wrote an article in the Los Angeles Times detailing the joys of backcountry skiing.

“Any excursion into the mountains requires awareness. Have fun, but be careful,” Allport wrote.